AutoZone Park hosts the third-annual “Exposure” event celebrating 901 Day in Memphis. Local celebrities participate in the annual Exposure kickball tournament in celebration of 901 Day at AutoZone Park. Exposure has hosted this game for the past three years.
Locals gathered at AutoZone Park on Friday for “Exposure,†an event celebrating a landmark day in Memphis: “901 Day.â€
Over 150 local businesses and organizations were present, with informational booths encouraging local Memphians to get involved with what the city has to offer. “Exposure†also featured live music from local bands and a local celebrity kickball game.
The event was hosted by the New Memphis Institute, an organization aimed at progressing the city through community-centered initiatives. Daniel Snyder, 26, a board member for the New Memphis Institute’s Embark program, was there to show his support.
“I’m not a native Memphian, but Memphis is a city with tons of potential to make a positive impact,†he said. “It’s a city of opportunity.â€
As a member of an organization working to build a city with great leaders, Snyder shared his vision for a new Memphis, with the efforts of events like “Exposure.â€
“I would hope that the citizens of this city become more connected and united and feel compelled to plug into something that they’re passionate about, and give more to the city than what the city gives to them,†Snyder said.
Ruby Zielinski, 23, a graphic designer, hosted Little Bird Innovation’s informational booth, which included a live pottery-making demonstration.
“New Memphis came to us and asked us to participate,†she said. “At first, we were challenged to create an interesting experience, and we decided to showcase live pottery — making to show people what we’re all about.â€
Little Bird Innovation hosts a live pottery-making demonstration as guests spectate. A goal of the company is to develop a community of local small business owners.
As a native of Los Angeles, California, Zielinski said there’s “a lot of opportunity†in her new home.
“Memphis is really exciting right now because we have a lot of makers doing their craft, and there’s a lot of opportunity here,†she said. “We’re unearthing these people who have been in their homes, and we’re bringing this community together, which has been very exciting.â€
Zielinski said “Exposure†is a good opportunity for Little Bird Innovation to meet more locals with small businesses.
“We really want to get the public plugged in with the (Made By) project and expand the community,†she said.  “We’ve already met new people, which has been very exciting.â€
Three members of Memphis Roller Derby pose in their active wear at Exposure.
James Carey, 32, an audio engineer from Greensboro, North Carolina, has noticed the city change since he first moved here to attend Memphis College of Art.
“I lived in Memphis years back and only attended small-scale events. I recently wasn’t aware that events this big were happening,†he said. “I was very glad to see this turnout.â€
Carey sees a positive change for Memphis’s future.
“Memphis is on the verge of becoming something more,†he said. “It has stumbled in the past, but it looks like it’s changing now. It has me reconsidering moving back.â€
